Commemorating deceased loved ones, asking for luck for the new year or supporting that special someone. In the dark days before Christmas, the need for warmth is great. Also for the people who come to light a candle in the basilica of Oudenbosch for Christmas.
In the basilica of Oudenbosch, a sea of dozens of candles burn next to each other. The soft light of the flames dances over the marble walls in the corridor of the basilica.
“I always light a candle for my family and acquaintances who have passed away,” says Tiny. She lights a small tea light in a red glass and slides it among the other burning lights. “But at Christmas also for peace in the whole world. This way I can shine a light on all the suffering.”
“Everywhere I go and there is a church, I light a candle,” she says. She came to the basilica with her sister.
“My son is sick,” says her sister Jeanette Herman from Oudenbosch. “It’s all very sad, but it gives me courage to light a candle.” She looks visibly emotional at the table full of burning lights. “But we have to move on.”
“It brings some melancholy at first,” Tiny adds. “But as soon as you walk out of the church again, there is also hope.”
“We actually always do it, but at Christmas it is extra important to think about your loved ones,” says 16-year-old Eva from Oudenbosch. “For the keepsake, the remembering and the loving.”
One sits down, head bowed, and prays softly. The other lights a candle and continues walking.
A little boy picks up a long, narrow candle. He holds it above the sea of lights and carefully transfers the fire to a larger candle. He watches with concentration as the flame spreads, after which he places the burning candle back on the altar.
“I light a candle for my grandmother,” says Max (11). “She passed away a few years ago from cancer.” His gold tie is neatly knotted under his bright blue winter coat. He holds up the narrow candle and blows out the flame with one breath. “I hope she is happy where she is now.”
“This is also for grandma,” adds his nephew Thijs (12). He lights his candle in a slightly faster movement. “I hope with this she is still a little close.”
